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Sort of Sunny on the West Coast (Part Three) - Paratu Stream / Otira Valley
A long and slow recovery mixed with a lack of outdoor adventures had begun to take its toll on my mind and my ability to...
Sort of Sunny on the West Coast (Part Two) - Paratu Stream
In Aotearoa we have places of beauty that are more known for the heavy rain that often falls there. The rain creates lus...
Sort of Sunny on the West Coast (Part One) - Paratu Stream Camp
After my first proper Christmas with the whanau in 12 years I needed a good hike to burn off multiple Christmas feasts....
One Handed Camping - Andrews Valley
The last time I had used my tent was during the mish when I broke my wrist, and the inconvenient barrier of only having...
Waimakariri Camp - Easing Back into the Outdoors
I don’t think anyone will argue with me when I say that 2020 hasn’t been the best year. Starting with my hip injury, and...
The Higher You Go (Part Two)- Mount Bruce(1630m)
Most people probably love to wake up in a big soft bed, nice and warm, covered by a luxurious duvet and many soft pillow...
The Higher You Go (Part One) - Mt Bruce(1630m)
The higher up a mountain you climb the better the view. This is also the same when it comes to camping. Having a mobile...
Beyond the Hut (Part Two) - Hut Spur Camp / Climb
We are lucky here in Nz because we have hikes for all abilities. The easy walks are usually busy during the summer with...
Beyond the Hut (Part One) - Hut Spur Camp / Climb
As time goes on the winter snow seems to be arriving later than usual in Aotearoa (apart from 2022!), and 2017 was no di...
Woolshed Hill(1429m) - A Classic Kiwi Climb
Arthurs Pass National Park is relatively small compared to other National Parks in Aotearoa, but it has so much to offer...
A Close Call (Part Two) - Mt Philistine Bluffs
A life without risk is a very basic existence. Most modern-day activities have some element of risk, however this should...
A Close Call (Part One) - Mt Philistine Bluffs
A fact that most try to avoid focusing on is that going into the outdoors can be dangerous. With that said, getting into...
Mouse Mountain - Anti-Crow Hut
I’ve always said “the worst thing to happen to New Zealand… it was discovered”. With the discovery of the last lost worl...
Mountain Goats & Glissading (Part Three) - Mt Bealey(1836m)
When the air is still and the sky is clear, you tend to forget that this is weather that is only temporary this high up...
Mountain Goats and Glissading (Part Two) - Mt Bealey(1836m)
Many times, I have watched the goats that live high in our mountains negotiate steep terrain with ease and wished I had...
Mountain Goats & Glissading (Part One) - Mt Bealey(1836m)
When you do something often, sometimes you can overlook what some people would find dangerous. I have climbed many mount...
Crampons Crunching (Part Three) - Mt Cassidy(1850m)
Summits give you a strange feeling. Any thoughts of success quickly subside after the realisation that you have only com...
Crampons Crunching (Part Two) - Mt Cassidy(1850m)
Attaching twelve spikes to your feet usually means you’re starting to tackle rather challenging terrain. Slick and steep...
Crampons Crunching (Part One) - Mt Cassidy(1850m)
If you have been given the gift of movement then you should go out and use your body to its maximum potential. For me cl...
Arthurs Village from Above (Part Two) - Mt Aicken(1863m)
From 1907 to 1923 Arthurs Pass Village was a hive of activity, thanks to the construction of the Otira Rail Tunnel. The...
Arthurs Village from Above (Part One) - Mt Aicken(1863m)
Tucked away amongst some of New Zealand’s finest peaks is Arthurs Pass Village. One of the few towns located in a nation...
Roaming A Ridge (Part Two) - Rome Ridge
Many people are afraid of heights. Being close to a big drop can send them into a panic and unless they are taken away f...
Roaming A Ridge (Part One) - Rome Ridge
No two mountains are the same, and that also applies to the ridges which reach down from the summit back towards sea lev...
Otira Slip and Slide (Part Two) - Mt Rolleston Low Peak (Almost)
Knowing you are hiking into a place that is not only dangerous, but has also claimed lives, keeps your senses alert. A d...